256, Lot: 772. Estimate $100. Sold for $200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NIGERIA, Colonial. MacGregor Laird. CU 1/8 Penny - 1/400 Dollar token (21mm, 1.82 g, 12h). Dually dated AD 1858 and AH 1274. Steamship under sail left / Banner inscribed SPERO MELIORA. Vice 9; KM Tn2. Good VF.

From the Clarence & Helen Zaar Maritime Collection.

MacGregor Laird was a 19th century Scottish explorer and merchant active in Nigeria and the Gold Coast region. In the 1850’s, he founded a number of successful trading posts along the Niger and Benue rivers, for which this token was issued.